Returning to school is exciting for many New Jersey students and families. New friends, new skills, and the promise of fall sports and other activities make this season an anticipated part of the year.

However, back-to-school season can also pose risks for New Jersey students and commuters. Here are several areas to focus on while planning your safe back-to-school routines. 

School Bus and School Travel Safety

School buses face the lowest crash numbers of any ground-based form of transportation in the US. However, this doesn’t mean school buses are immune to accidents. Between 2013 and 2022, approximately 132,000 people were injured and about 1,082 died in school bus crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). New Jersey ranks in the top ten states for school bus crashes and deaths, according to an article in Campus Safety.

School buses are built for visibility and for durability in a collision. Students getting on and off a bus, however, are vulnerable – especially in the early morning hours, when visibility is low. To keep kids safer at bus stops:

• Teach children to stand well out of the way of traffic and to wait for the bus to stop before approaching the street.
• When kids cross the road to get on the bus, teach them to look at the bus driver first. The driver will signal when it is safe for them to cross.
• Choose high-visibility jackets and backpacks to help kids stand out. Flashlights or light-up items like shoes can also help. 
• Supervise kids at the bus stop, especially when they’re young.

If you’re driving during school bus pickup and drop-off hours, always stop in response to a bus’s flashing lights. Never try to pass or go around a bus that has stopped to pick up students. 

What Are The Drop-Off and Pick-Up Safety Rules at Schools?

The return of school days also changes traffic patterns. More cars are on the road early, as parents and families bring their children to school. The roads and driveways near schools, which were sparsely used in the summer, are now packed with vehicles. More kids are out in the morning and afternoon, walking or riding their bikes to school. 

To improve your safety during drop-off and pick-up hours:

• Leave early to allow for extra time on the road. If you need to be at your child’s school by 7:45 am and live 15 minutes away, you should factor in commuter traffic on local roads or highways and leave maybe 30 minutes in advance. 
• School zones often have lower speed limits. When school is in session, which is where traffic can build up and cause delays. 
• When stopped at an intersection, check both ways. Drivers should look out for students walking or biking to school, especially within a few miles of a school building. 
• Be patient with early morning or after-school traffic. Watch sharply in school driveways and parking lots for students, who may be hard to see between cars. They may run out into traffic to get into a car or cross the street to meet up with a parent or classmate. 

Maintain these habits throughout the fall semester. When Daylight Saving Time ends, these habits will also help you navigate school drop-off and pick-up areas more safely. If you or your child were injured in a car accident near an elementary school, contact our personal injury lawyers today. Or, if you were a pedestrian or biker and was struck by another vehicle while picking up or dropping off at a middle school or high school in the area, contact our team today. 

Backpacks and Back-to-School Gear

Most children’s clothing, backpacks, and school supplies are designed with kids in mind. However, parents and families must choose the right items for each child’s grade, abilities, and size. 

To avoid the risk of unnecessary, preventable injuries:

• Check for recalls. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) lists recalls of consumer products, including kids’ back-to-school gear, on its website. 
• Choose a backpack that fits your child’s body. A too-large backpack can get overstuffed, and it may not provide the necessary support for carrying items. 
• Look for bright colors and reflective details in backpacks and outerwear, especially if your child will be walking, bicycling, or waiting at the bus stop in the early morning. 
• Consider stocking up on school supplies at home, so your kids don’t need to carry as many items to and from school. 
• Read the packaging on school supplies. “Non-toxic” supplies are a better bet, especially for younger students. “Washable” supplies can save you a lot of headaches when it’s time to do laundry or clean off a kid’s homework space. 

Many parents and kids enjoy the experience of back-to-school shopping. If a hidden defect causes injuries, speak to an experienced attorney who can help you protect your legal rights and those of your child.

Speak to an Experienced New Jersey School Injury Lawyer

School should be a fun experience – not a cause of serious injuries. If you or someone you love suffers injuries during the back-to-school season, speak to an experienced New Jersey injury attorney. The team at Petrillo and Goldberg can help.